Shaquille O’Neal has never been one to be shy about his opinion. He has also never been one to be shy about Dwight Howard, who has seemed to try to follow in the footsteps of the legendary big man. So why would things change now, right?

It has been well documented that both Shaq and Dwight started their careers in Orlando, and then left for the Los Angeles Lakers. And of course, they both refer to themselves as “Superman.” Major difference? Shaq is considered one of the most dominant players ever. Dwight has quite the distance to go.

When Dwight Howard was shipped to LA, the whole basketball world was on the edge of their seat. Except for Shaquille O’Neal, that is.

What was your reaction to Dwight Howard being traded to the Lakers? Shaquille O’Neal: “I don’t have a reaction. You have to care to have a reaction. I’ve got businesses to run. I always tell people that in order to step in my shoes you have big shoes to fill. For him, he’s going to have to at least win three to get people’s respect.” New Orleans Times-Picayune

We all know Shaquille O’Neal was laughing a little bit inside when he said this. It’s the cocky side of Shaq that we all know and love coming to the surface.

He knows that Dwight Howard has a lot more to accomplish before the two can even be in the conversation. But for him to say that he didn’t even have a reaction to a massive NBA trade is news worthy. Even if he didn’t completely mean it.